Bacterial Overgrowth and Bloating

Hello to all of you. I was wondering those of you that have taken antibiotics for the Bacterial Overgrowth, how long did it take for you to feel better. And how long did it take for the bloating to go away. I started the antibiotics on Monday and so far there's been no change. This is so uncomfortable, none of my clothes fit. Thanks for your support.

Hey Folks,
The two tend to go hand in hand... the slow motility is what gives the bacteria a chance to go haywire- things just don't move through your gut like they should. My whole digestive system is a mess, and my gastro gives me Xifaxan to keep on hand all the time. After a while you just know when it's coming, and you start the antibiotics right away, and it clears itself up pretty quickly. til the next time anyhow. He tells me he has many patients who just stay on them all the time. I know it isn't any fun, probably one of the most annoying symptoms, since gut problems affect us all day, every day. The effects of a bacterial overgrowth episode are pretty ugly. One thing, your gastro may have to send a letter to your insurance company to get it covered. Good luck.... love, Mary

Hi Peanut and Mary, how are you today? That antibiotic you mentioned Mary, the Xifaxan, 200 mg. twice a day, is what my Gastro. doctor put me on. Peanut, I really don't know for sure how they know if it's Bacterial Overgrowth. I have had Motility tests done. When I was living in California they did do a test on me at UCLA to find out if I had the Bacterial Overgrowth, which at that time I didn't. I asked my doctor if he needed to do any more tests and he said no, at this time he said we treat the symtoms. Mary, I was wondering how long it took the Xifaxan to kick in and start working. I started taking this med on Monday, still no improvements. Thanks again.

Hey Gals,
Peanut, I think my gastro could tell by the symptoms plus it goes along with the territory, but from what I understand there are two definitive tests, one is a stool sample test the other I believe is a breath test which tests the levels of bacteria you exhale. My gastro is a sclero specialist and my hero, he's a goldmine of information. I've had so many problems with motility but when the swelling and hardness starts in the belly I go right on the Xifaxan. Everyone I know can tell just by looking at me that I'm having problems. Jackie, the first time I took it, it must have been maybe a week before the symptoms went away but it was a pretty bad outbreak and of course I didn't know what it was never having experienced it before. Plus it was over a weekend. Now, I know the symptoms and go right on it, since I have a permanent Rx for it. It's not unusual to take it daily for severe cases. My stomach is, like yours, hard and round and I feel and look pregnant, plus my bowels tend to be either loose or nonexistant, which is always lots of fun, and I'm sure you love hearing all about it too!
Three years ago I had a motility test and there was no motion whatsoever. A completely flat line. I must be very careful what and when I eat as I am sure you do too. Since then I have changed my diet completely, I eat a lot of legumes; lentils, beans, soybeans etc and also steel cut oatmeal and high fiber foods. I try to eat a lot of yogurt, the Greek kind which is expensive but it's almost a pure protein. I don't eat any fast food and very little prepared food. Lots of vegs and lean proteins because I am also diabetic. Once in a while I cheat and pay dearly for it, like with ice cream, I just can't handle it. I never eat less than four hours before bed. It's tricky balancing the sclero problems with the diabetes.
Stick with the Xifaxan Jackie and with any luck you'll be feeling lots better. I hope it's starting to work for you. Are you careful with your diet? Try adding and subtracting different foods and see if they make things better or worse. Poor us. Sometimes I just would die for a big mac, lol..... have a warm day and lots of love, Mary

Hello Mary, thanks so much for all of your info. I am going into day 5 and still no results. I also have a Rectal Fissure, so I am feeling pretty miserable. Did your doctor. suggest to you, go on a Gluten Free Diet? I believe everything I eat right now bothers me. I really don't know what to do. I find fruits and veggies, really seem to bother me, this is so unfortunate when I love to eat, mind you I'm sure most of us do. Well, I guess I'll wait a few more days and see what happens. Thanks again for your support.

I had taken Flagyl for 4 weeks year and half ago again taking it now. My doctor wants me to take minimum two weeks and maximum 3 months. I normally take 4 weeks. There are some tests to diagnose the problems, but the generic version of Flagyl (Metoclopranide) is cheap medication and relative harmless, so it is not bad idea to take it yearly, if you suspect changes in bowel movement.

I really didn't think it was going to take so long to help eleviate this problem. I wonder if just going on a liquid diet is the answer? But then again what liquids do you drink? Everything I eat or drink seems to bother me. Thank you again for your support.

I have been having the icky yuks for 2 days now so thanks for your information.

It is so frustrating not knowing what to eat or not eat. I still have not figured it out. I've been having pain on my right side with every BM - hope that goes away on its own.

Mary, my bowels are like yours yea, not fun at all. I get cramping and urgency which has gotten me reprimanded at work once for being in the bathroom for more than 5 minutes and customers lined up. What can I do? I waited until there were no customers before I went. Not something I have control over.